Common Defense Mechanisms

Question 1

Compensation

Answer 1

attempt to achieve respect or recognition in one activity to substitute for inability to achieve in another endeavor

Question 2

Denial

Answer 2

Refusing to believe or accept something as it is but rather one wishes it to be

Question 3

Displacement

Answer 3

Transferring emotion away from the person or situation that incited the emotion to an inappropriate person or object

Question 4

Introjection

Answer 4

Taking into one’s personality the characteristics of another

Question 5

Projection

Answer 5

Attributing one’s own thoughts, emotions, characteristics of another

Question 6

Rationalization

Answer 6

Concealing the motive of behavior by giving some socially acceptable reason for the action

Question 7

Regression

Answer 7

Return to behaviors more appropriate to an earlier stage of development

Question 8

Repression

Answer 8

Immersing something in the subconscious or unconscious level of thought

Question 9

Sublimation

Answer 9

Release of libido in socially acceptable behavior rather than using it to obtain sexual gratification

Question 10

Suppression

Answer 10

Consciously dismissing something from the mind and thoughts